Vice President and Prime Minister of and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched an AED1.3 billion Comprehensive Development Plan for Hatta area in the emirate of Dubai on Monday.

The plan aims to boost the area’s social and economic attractiveness as a world-class environmental tourist destination. It will cover three key areas, including economic and service sector, tourism and sports, and culture and education. A dedicated board will oversee the plan and co-ordinate among various government entities.

"The UAE’s development plan is on track to achieve ambitious objectives across various economic, social and cultural sectors that mainly aim to serve citizens and the nation," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.

He stressed the importance of consolidating the efforts of various government entities to maximise citizens’ benefits from the development projects that are part of the UAE 2021 vision.

Sheikh Mohammed also urged that the youth’s capabilities should be utilised in the best possible way and stressed the balanced utilisation of natural and environmental resources available in the UAE.

"Youth are the key to future development, and extending their involvement across various sectors is a strategic priority. We have to harness their positive energy and assist them to identify opportunities to access the job market through unconventional paths, mainly in entrepreneurship," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed also underlined that the UAE has several areas that offer ambitious economic opportunities, which are currently being assessed through a comprehensive development plan that involves economic and social development, and mainly aims to boost the development of these areas, with emphasis on creation of more jobs.

The launch was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Head of the Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with a number of dignitaries.